Method of and apparatus for controlling electrical energy



C. D. EHRET.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL ENERGY.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 15. IBIB.

Patented Oct. 14, 1919.

W (1 g I INVENIORL .or more grids while the temperature of one CORNELIUS D. EHRET, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRICAL ENERGY.

Application filed November 15, 1918. Serial No. 262,639.

Beit known that I, CORNELIUS 1). Elmer, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Philadelphia. State of Pennsylvania. have invented a new and useful Method of and Apparatus for Con trolling Electrical l lnergy, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relatesto a method of and apparatus for controlling electrical energy, particularly for purposes of signaling, telephony, or telegraphy, either where the energy is transmitted from one point to another in radiant form, or when transmittedover a. wire. or other circuit.

My invention resides in a method of and apparatus for controlling the production, amplification, or both production and amplification of electrical energy by thermionic or electronic action occurring in connection with an audion, dynatron, pliotron, vapor electric apparatus, and the like.

In accordance with my invention the electric energy controlled, rectified, amplified, produced or otherwise acted upon by or in association with a thermionic or electronic device is controlled by changing or varying both. the emission of electrons from a hot cathode and the flow of electrons. This is effected by controlling the, temperature of a part or less than the whole of the hot cathode. and the potential of a grid, screenor similar electrode; and in the case of a dynatron controlling the potential of one controlling the temperature of the hot cathode, and more particularly of a part or less than the entire hot cathode.

My invention resides in the method and apparatus of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

This application is in part a division from my application Ser. N0.-'209,445, filed December 29, 1917, and patented May 6, 1919, No. 1.303,184.

For an illustration of some of the various forms of apparatus embodying myinvention and suitable for carrying out my method, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure l is a diagrammatic view of a thermionic or electronic device in which the cathode is comprised of a plurality of parts,

of which is con- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 14, 1919 trolled simultaneously with control of potential of the grid.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view illustrating a modification.

i F igs.' 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views of modifications.

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a thermionic or electronic device of the dynatron type embodying my invention.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view illustrating a modification.

Referring to Fig. 1, audion, pliotron or other or thermionic device. In the example illustrated, there are disposed within the evacuated bulb or yessel a. the cathodes f and f, in this case incandescent filaments of tungsten, carbon or other suit-able material, the grid g and the wing, plate tween one terminal of the filaments f and f and the plate or wing 'w are connected any source of current B of suitable electro-mo- A represents an tive-force, and the primary p of a transformer or repeating coil whose secondary s delivers energy to any circuit, such as a cuit comprising a wire or wires extending between the transmitting and receiving stations, and the antenna or other radiating element or structure of a wireless or radio communication system.

One terminal of the filaments f and f connects through the secondary s of a transformer or repeating coil whose primary is p to the electrode, grid or screen .9. In this grid circuit may be connected a device b, which may be a condenser, as indicated in Fig. 1, tive-force, such as a battery as indicated in Fig. 1; when a battery is employed, preferably its negative terminal is connected to the grid 9 and its electro-motive-force is such as to maintain the grid suitably negative with respect to the cathodes f and f. In shunt to the transformer secondary 8 may be connected also a source S of fluc tuating or alternating current, and in the case of telephony a source of fluctuating or alternating current whose frequency is above the limits of audibility.

For rendering the cathode f incandescent there is provided a source of current, as the battery It, the strength of whose current through the filament f may be adjusted by the variable resistance r for giving to the or anode 10. Be-

'01 3. SOHIOB Of electro-1n0-,

similar electronic cathode f a suitable normal temperature. The second filamenttf is connected in circuit with the variable resistance r, the transformer primary the signaling instrument m .of any suitable'character, as for example, a tele hone transmitter or microphone m, and t e battery 0.

The cathode structure in this arrangevment comprises the two filaments f and 7,

f o erating normally at .such temperature as determined by the adjustment of reslstancer while the cathode part f is varied sound waves by the same microphone m.

As a result the electron stream from the cathode structure to the plate or anode w varies in quantity for two reasons, one,'the variation of temperature of the cathode f and, secondly, because of variation of the potential of the electrode or grid g. The result is a variation of current in the circuit of thesprimary p in accordance with speech with resultant variation of current in the secondary s in accordance with speech.

If the high frequency source S is employed, there will appear in the primary 1) and secondary 8 high frequency oscillations, whose amplitude is varied in accordance with the signal; and where the signaling instrument is the microphone m and the frequency of the current from source S is above audibility, the inaudibly high frequency current in primary p and secondary s is varied in accordance with speech both by the variations in temperature of the cathode f and the grid 9. For purpose of telephony, or other cases where the grid is influenced at high frequency, the cathode f must be sufiiciently fine or small to quickly or accurately respond to speech Waves or other high frequency modulations.

In Fig. 2 is shown an audion or similar amplifier with a double filament arrangement similar to that shown in Fig. 1. In this case the filament f is in circuit with the battery and the adjustable resistance 7' and-the filament f is in series with the same battery and resistance with the second microphone m in series with them. The microphone m and the battery 0 are connected in series only with the primary 2 The two microphones are disposed close to each other, so that the speech or sound waves impinge on them simultaneously. In this case the microphone m varies only the potential of the grid g, while the microphone m varies the temperature of the filament f microphone m and battery 0.

If a highfrequency source S' is employed in the grid circuit there will appear ill-the? seconda 8 high frequency energy whose amplitu varies in accordance with the signal or sound waves.

In Fig. 3 is shown an audion or similar amplifier involving two filaments, of which f is in circuit with the battery 70 and the adjustable resistance r"; the second filament f is in circuit with the battery is, adjustable resistance r and the secondary s of a transformer or repeating coil whose primary is p connected in serles with the rimary 9 battery 0 and microphone m. ere again the microphone simultaneously controls the potential of the grid 9, and the temperature of the filament f, the latter through the transformer p, 8

In Fig. 4 A is a thermionic or electronic device of the dynatron type wherein reemission of electrons occurs from an electrode bombarded by a primary source of electrons. Within the evacuated vessel (1 there are the cathodes or filaments f and f grid 9, electrode or anode c, electrode or grid 9 and electrode or plate w.

The filament f is connected in circuit, including switch (1, transformer primary 19 The trans former secondary s is in the circuit of the grid 9 together with the device I) and the transformer secondary s ,'whose primary and the primary p are connected in circuit with the source S of fluctuating or alternating current of any suitable frequency, as

above audibility. There is a second grid circuit, that of grid 9 comprising the electrode or late w, the transformer secondary a and tlie transformer secondary 8, the former in inductive relation with primary and the latter in inductive relation with the primary p".

The electrode or anode is in a circuit including the filaments f and f, a variable portion of the battery B and the transformer primary 1?, with which is associated the secondary 8. The electrode or plate w is also in a circuit including the primary p", in inductive relation with the secondary s, and a variable portion of the battery B and the filaments f and f With the switch 03 closed and switches e and it open, the number of electrons. emitted by cathodes -f and f is varied by the microphone m which varies the temperature, as hereinbefore described, of the filament 7, which is made delicate or small for purposes of telephony or other high rate of Ill u l I varlatlon. The grid 9 simultaneously varies plate w and passing to the anode or electrode o is varied by the variationsof potential of the grid 9 which may be so located orfldisposed between the elements w and '0 as to control only the electrons r assing from electrode w to electrode '0. r as indicated in Fig. 4 the grid 9 may also be in the path of the electrons from the cathode structure 7 and f and also control electrons from that cathode structure passing to the electrode or plate of the grid 9 is therefore in the first case to modulate the current in the primary p includin the anode or electrode 12 as due to the e ectrons from electrode w to electrode 11. Secondly, it is, if properly disposed or positioned, to control electrons from f, f to the electrode or plate 'w, to vary the current in the primary [2 or 9 may perform both functions simultaneously. Furthermore, some of the electrons emitted by f, strike the electrode or anode o, and

this direct action between f, f and o is controlled by grid '9, and so both affects the current in the primary 1!) as well as the current in the urinary 72 According y current modulated in accordance with speech appears in the transformer secondary 8, being induced therein by both primaries p and p It now the switch h be closed, the source S may pass through the primaries and p oscillations or current of frequency above audibility which are impressed upon the grids g and g and controlled by the microphone m.

Or the filament 7 may be cut out of circuit by opening-the switch 03 and closing the switch (2, whereupon the grids g and 9 will be controlled by the microphone m, and this is true whether or not the switch It is open 4 or closed. \Vhen closed, of course, there will appear the high frequency modulations of grid potential modulated in turn, b the microphone m.

It will be understood as to all of the figures of the drawing that instead ofdelivering directly into the transmission circuit or into the radiating antenna or structure, the secondaries 8 may deliver into intermediate audion or similar amplifying devices of any suitable number and power for producing any suitable amplification.

WhatI claim is:

1. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of electron-emitting bodies connected to each other in the same anode circuit, and means for varyin the electron emission of less than al of said bodies independently of the remainder to thereby vary the joint electron emission of said bodies to said anode.

2. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of electronsemitting bodies connected to eachother, an-electrode w. The-efl'ect of control- 'electron emit'ti'ng between said bodies and said anode, and means for simultaneously varying the electron emission from less thar'rall of 'said' bodies and the potential ofsaid electrode.

11 electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of electron-emitting bodies at substantially the same potential with respect to said anode, and means for varying in accordance with sound waves the number of electrons emitted by less than all of said bodies to thereby vary the joint electron emission of said bodies to said anode.

4. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of electron-emitting bodies connected to each other, an electrode between said bodies and said anode, and means for simultaneously varying in accordance with sound waves the electron emission from less than all of said bodies and the potential of said electrode.

5. The combination with an electronic device comprising an anode and a plurality of bodies connected to each other, of means for causing in the circuit of said anode a current varying at a frequency above audiibility, and means for varying in accordance with sound waves the number of electrons emitted by less than all of said bodies.

6. The combination with an electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of electron-emitting bodies connected to each other, and an electrode between said bodies and said anode, of means for causing .in the circuit of said anode a current varying at a frequency above audibility, and means for simultaneously varying in accordance with sound waves the potential of said electrode and the number of electrons emitted from less than all of said bodies.

7. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of cathodes connected to each other, means for passing current therethrough to heat the same, and a signaling instrument controlling the current in less than all of said cathodes.

8. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of cathodes connected to each other, means for passing current therethrough to heat the same, and means for varying in accordance with sound waves the current in less than all of said cathodes.

.9. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of cathodes connected, to each other, means for passing current therethrough to heat the same, an' electrode between said cathodes and said anode, and means for simultaneously varying the potential of said electrode and the strength of the current through less than all of said cathodes.

10. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of cathodes connected to each other, means for passing current therethrough to heat the same, an electrode between said cathodes and said anode, and means for simultaneously varying in accordance with sound waves the potential of said electrode and the strength of the current through less than all of said cathodes.

11. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of cathodes connected to each other, means for passing current therethrough to heat the same, an electrode between said cathodes and said anode, means for varying the potential of said electrode at a frequency above audibility, and means for simultaneously varying in accordance with sound waves the potential of said electrode and the strength of current through less than all of said cathodes.

12. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of cathodes connected to each other in the same anode circuit, means for heating said cathodes, and means for controlling the temperature, of less than all said cathodes independently of the remainder to vary their total electron emission.

13. An electronic device comprising an anode, a grid, a plurality of cathodes, means for heating said cathodes, and means for simultaneously controlling the temperature of less than all of said cathodes and the po tential of said grid.

14. Telephonic transmitting apparatus comprising an electronic device comprising an anode, a grid, a plurality of cathodes, and means including a telephone instrument for simultaneously varying the temperature of less than all said cathodes and the potential of said grid.

15. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of electron-emitting bodies connected to each other in the same anode circuit, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said bodies and reemitting. electrons to said anode, and means for varying the electron output of less than all of said bodies.

16. An electronic device comprising an anode, a plurality of electron-emitting bodies at substantially the same potential, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said bodies and re'e'mitting electrons to said anode, and means for varying in accordance with sound waves the electron emission of less than all of said bodies.

17. An electronic device comprising an anode, a hot cathode, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and reemitting electrons to said anode, a second electrode between said electrode and said anode, and a signaling instrument simultaneously varying the potential of said second electrode and the temperature of said cathode.

18. An electronic device comprising an anode, an electron-emitting body, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and reemitting electrons to said anode,

a second electrode between said electrode and said anode, and means for simultaneously varying in accordance with sound waves the number of electrons emitted by said body and the potential of said secondelectrode.

19. An electronic device comprising an electron-emitting body, an anode, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and reemitting electrons to said anode,

an output circuit including saidbody and said anode, a grid between said electrode and said anode, and a source of alternating current varying the potential of said grid.

21. An electronic device comprising an electron-emitting body, an anode, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and reemitting electrons to said anode,

grids positioned, respectively, between said body and said anode and said anode and said electrode, and a source of alternating current simultaneously varying the potentials of said grids.

22. An electronic device comprising an electron-emitting body, an anode, an elec-' trode bombarded by electrons from said body and reemitting electrons to said anode, and input circuits controlling the electron flow from said body to said electrode and from said electrode to said anode.

23. An electronic device comprising an electron-emitting body, an anode, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and remitting electrons to'said anode, input circuits controlling simultaneously the flow of electrons from said body to said electrode and from said electrode to said anode, and an inductive coupling between said input circruits.

24. An electronic device comprising an electron-emittin body, an anode, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and reemitting electrons to said anode, output circuits associated with said anode and said electrode, and input circuits controlling the flow of electrons from said body to said electrode and from said electrode to said anode.

25. An electronic device comprising an electron-emitting body, an anode, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and remitting electrons to said anode, output circuits associated with said anode and said electrode, and input circuits controlling the flow of electrons from said body to said anode and said electrode and from said electrode to said anode.

26. The method of controlling electrical energy in a circuit including a space travbardin ersed by electrons from a pluralityoi sources at substantially the same potential, which consists in recurrently varying the output of electrons from less than all of said: sources independently of the remainder .to thereby vary from a predetermined normal total the electrons jointl emitted by said sources.

27. The met 0d of controlling electrical energy in a. circiiit including a space traversed by electrons from a plurality of sources at substantially the same potential, which consists in controlling in accordance with a signal or'messagethe electrons emitted from less than all of sald sources independently of the remainder to thereby var from a prede- .-termined normal total the e ectrons jointly emitted by said sources- 28. The method of controlling electrical energy in a circuit com rising a space traversed by electrons, whic consists in causing reemis sion of electrons by bombardment by electrons emitted by a plurality of sources at substantially the same potential, and recurrently varyin the electrons emitted by less than all of said sources independently of the remainder to thereby vary from a predetermined normal total the number of bomelectrons.

29. he method of controlling electrical energy in a circuit including a space traversed by electrons from a plurality of sources, which consists-in simultaneously varying the potential of an electrode in the electron stream from said sources and the output of electrons from less than all of said sources to thereby vary from a predetermined normal total the electrons jointly emitted by said sources.

30. The method of controlling. electrical ener in a circuit including a. space traverse by electrons, which consists in cansing remission of electrons by bombardment by electrons emitted by a plurality of sources, and simultaneously varying the potential of an electrode in the electron stream from said sources and the number of electrons emitted by less than all of said sources to thereby vary from a predetermined nor-' mal total the number of bombarding electrons.

31. The method of controlling electrical energy in a circuit including a space traversed by electrons, which consists in causing remission of electrons by bombardment by electrons emitted by an electron-emitting body, and simultaneously varying the potential of an electrode in the stream of reemitted electrons and the electron emission from said body.

32. An electronic device comprising an electron-emittin body, an anode, an electrode bombarded by electrons from said body and remitting electrons to said anode, an output circuit including said body and said anode, a grid between said electrode and said anode, and a plurality of different means simultaneously varying the potential of said grid.

33. An electronic device comprising an electron-emitting body, an anode, an electrode. bombarded by electronsfrom said body and remitting electrons tosaid anode, grids positioned, respectively, between said body and said anode and said anode and said electrode, and a plurality of dilferent means simclliltaneously varying the potentials of said gri s.

34. An electronic device comprising an electron-emittin body, an anode, an electrode bombarde by electrons from said body and reemitting electrons to said anode, input circuits controlling simultaneously the flow of electrons from said body to said electrode and from said electrode to said anode, an inductive couplin between said input circuits, and a source 0? fluctuating current in said coupling.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature this 13th day of N ovember, 1918.

CORNELIUS n. 

